Wallace: 'This All-Star award is for the team'

Westmeath’s newest All-Star, Ronan Wallace, said he accepts the award on behalf of a great group of players who are determined to build on this year’s Leinster SFC victory.

Wallace became the first Multyfarnham man to win an All-Star and the sixth Westmeath player to achieve one of the biggest honours in the game. He follows in the footsteps of David Kilcoyne, Rory O’Connell, John Keane (a two-time winner), Dessie Dolan and Gary Connaughton.

“It’s fantastic; I’m buzzing today, although it probably hasn’t fully sunk in just yet. I got the news last night; it’s a huge honour. It’s testament to what the team has achieved this year under Mark McHugh and the progress we have made,” he said.

“Everyone has been on, offering their congratulations, and there’s just a fantastic bond among us. It all feeds into a very positive set-up, and we are all buzzing about next season already – we just can’t wait to get back into it and to pull on that Westmeath jersey again, and build on this year’s success,” he added.

Wallace, who actually began his playing days in Bunbrosna, first started out as an U14 footballer with Multyfarnham and played through the different age groups, winning an U16 title with the club. He had a huge passion for rugby and played with Mullingar RFC, Leinster and Ireland (U18/19).

“That rugby background helped me moving forward into what is an elite level with Westmeath. I brought a lot with me, and we have a really tight group now in Westmeath, and there is a good age profile there. There is an exciting squad of players available, and it bodes well,” he said.

His Westmeath career began at U21 level when Emmet McDonnell - currently assistant manager alongside Mark McHugh - first selected him.

Meanwhile, Westmeath GAA County Committee chairman Paddy Wallace has paid tribute to Ronan Wallace on his selection as the county’s sixth All-Star.

A fellow Multyfarnham clubman, Paddy Wallace described it as a major honour for both club and county. He also paid tribute to each of the other nominees – Matthew Whittaker, Sam McCartan and Brandon Kelly – stressing that it highlights the great progress Westmeath has made this year.

“It’s a major honour for Ronan Wallace, for Westmeath football and, of course, for Multyfarnham GAA Club, where it all began. It’s a positive story, another indication of Westmeath’s progress under manager Mark McHugh and the impact he and his management team have had in their first year. We in Westmeath GAA are extremely proud,” he said.

In Multyfarnham, news of Ronan Wallace’s All-Star selection has been received with great gusto. Club chairman David Kelly paid tribute to Ronan Wallace first of all and to the many volunteers who were involved in underage coaching over the last 15 years or more.

“We came from a position where we were struggling to field and, after a renewed focus on our underage, Multyfarnham have made great progress. Ronan Wallace played with us at underage level, and you could see his potential from an early stage: he was part of the first team to win an underage title at U16 level,” he said.

“There is a fantastic buzz around the club, the community and the village this morning. It’s a proud day for Ronan first of all, but for everyone in Multyfarnham GAA Club and for the parish. It’s an outstanding achievement, and we’re looking forward to getting to Dublin to support Ronan when he receives his All-Star award,” he added.